Before we get into some NHL Picks, let's take a look at the latest UFC 145 Lines, and UFC 145 Odds.
THE STORY: Despite splitting their first four games in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, the Ottawa Senators have yet to enjoy a lead. After netting a pair of overtime victories, the eighth-seeded Senators will look to get the early jump on the top-seeded New York Rangers in Game 5 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson, who has missed the last two contests with a mild concussion, did not travel with the team to New York. UFC 145 Predictions
TV: 7 p.m., NBCS, CBC
ABOUT THE SENATORS: Kyle Turris netted the overtime winner just 2:42 into overtime as Ottawa posted a 3-2 triumph on Wednesday to win a home playoff game for the first time since 2007. Not known for his offensive production, defenseman Matt Carkner returned from a one-game suspension and set up Milan Michalek for the Senators' first goal. Carkner collected three points in 29 games this season and has just 22 during his 162-game NHL career. Milan Michalek, who led the team with 35 goals this season, netted his first of the series in Game 4. Michalek let out a loud scream after scoring - and with good reason. He was held to just one shot in Game 3.Buy UFC 145 Gear
ABOUT THE RANGERS: After converting just one of its previous 11 power-play opportunities, New York got out of the blocks in a hurry by scoring on its first two chances with the man advantage to take a 2-0 lead just 6:10 into Game 4. Defenseman Anton Stralman, who was shuffled onto the team's first power-play unit, netted his second man-advantage goal of the series just 49 seconds into the game. Henrik Lundqvist saw his shutout streak come to an end at 87 minutes, 4 seconds. The talented Swede did see his postseason overtime struggles extend, however, as he dropped his seventh straight such game. Lundqvist hasn't won a playoff tilt in overtime since 2007.
OVERTIME:
1. Ottawa's Craig Anderson has played well to keep the Senators afloat in this series. After yielding two quick goals, he kept the Rangers off the scoreboard by stopping 21 shots over the final two periods and overtime.
2. After starting Game 3 on the top line, Boston College star Chris Kreider was dropped to the fourth line. He logged just 3:29 of ice time on six shifts in Game 4.
3. Rangers rookie Carl Hagelin will serve the final contest of his three-game suspension after elbowing Alfredsson in Game 2.
PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Senators 2 - Check out more Free Picks from the Best Handicappers and the sports Monitor.
THE STORY: Despite splitting their first four games in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series, the Ottawa Senators have yet to enjoy a lead. After netting a pair of overtime victories, the eighth-seeded Senators will look to get the early jump on the top-seeded New York Rangers in Game 5 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson, who has missed the last two contests with a mild concussion, did not travel with the team to New York. UFC 145 Predictions
TV: 7 p.m., NBCS, CBC
ABOUT THE SENATORS: Kyle Turris netted the overtime winner just 2:42 into overtime as Ottawa posted a 3-2 triumph on Wednesday to win a home playoff game for the first time since 2007. Not known for his offensive production, defenseman Matt Carkner returned from a one-game suspension and set up Milan Michalek for the Senators' first goal. Carkner collected three points in 29 games this season and has just 22 during his 162-game NHL career. Milan Michalek, who led the team with 35 goals this season, netted his first of the series in Game 4. Michalek let out a loud scream after scoring - and with good reason. He was held to just one shot in Game 3.Buy UFC 145 Gear
ABOUT THE RANGERS: After converting just one of its previous 11 power-play opportunities, New York got out of the blocks in a hurry by scoring on its first two chances with the man advantage to take a 2-0 lead just 6:10 into Game 4. Defenseman Anton Stralman, who was shuffled onto the team's first power-play unit, netted his second man-advantage goal of the series just 49 seconds into the game. Henrik Lundqvist saw his shutout streak come to an end at 87 minutes, 4 seconds. The talented Swede did see his postseason overtime struggles extend, however, as he dropped his seventh straight such game. Lundqvist hasn't won a playoff tilt in overtime since 2007.
OVERTIME:
1. Ottawa's Craig Anderson has played well to keep the Senators afloat in this series. After yielding two quick goals, he kept the Rangers off the scoreboard by stopping 21 shots over the final two periods and overtime.
2. After starting Game 3 on the top line, Boston College star Chris Kreider was dropped to the fourth line. He logged just 3:29 of ice time on six shifts in Game 4.
3. Rangers rookie Carl Hagelin will serve the final contest of his three-game suspension after elbowing Alfredsson in Game 2.
PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Senators 2 - Check out more Free Picks from the Best Handicappers and the sports Monitor.
